With the warmer weather approaching, many of us are spending more time outdoors. Apply sunscreen any time your child will be outside for more than 30 minutes. Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Tips for spending time outdoors:
- Limit activity between 10:00am and 4:00pm when the sun is strongest.
- Wear a cap or hat and sunglasses with UV protection
- Choose a waterproof sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Over 70% of the sun's rays still get through the clouds.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or after excessive sweating.
- Waterproof sunscreen stays on for about 30 minutes in water.
- Use an ounce or a handful to cover the entire body.
If your child should get a sunburn, they will be the most uncomfortable the first 24 hours. To ease the pain, you can give your child Tylenol or Motrin. Click here for dosage information. Cool compresses and cool baths can also help. Your child should drink plenty of extra water to replace the fluid lost into the swelling of the sunburned skin. Call the office if you have any questions or concerns.